Grand Prix 1997

John Higgins from Scotland 9-6 in the final
of the 1997 Grand Prix.
Dale, who is only ranked No.54 in the world, lead all
the way through the match, although Higgins clawed back from a 4-0 deficit to get within one frame
at 7-6. Dale then snatched victory with deciding breaks of 120 and 71.

This is a major boost to Dominic's career as he has never progressed beyond the last 16
in previous ranking tournament. He'll be No. 14 in the new rankings. The cash isn't too bad
either - he pockets 60,000 for the victory. Bookmakers quoted Dale at 100-1 for first prize two
weeks ago ...

Quinten Hann won the prize of £5,000 for the highest televised break with an excellent 143 total
clearance in an earlier round. Alfie Burden won the high break prize of £1,000 for an equally
impressive 143.

In one way one could say Dale's breakthrough was bound to come this season. Why, do you ask?
I'll explain:

When the WPBSA opened the circuit for everyone in 1992, a lot of excellent rookies appeared on the
scene. If I remember correctly,
Ronnie O'Sullivan was the leader among
these freshmen in the 1993/94 ranking list. Then followed
John Higgins,
Mark J Williams, Stephen Lee ... and
Dominic Dale. O'Sullivan continued his progress and entered the top 16 in
1994. Higgins did it in
1995, Williams in
1996 and Stephen Lee in
1997. See the pattern? Will this be Dominic's big year?